Lovell takes award for schemes to get youngsters into construction |
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The company took the Business Education Link in Construction Award at the East of England Construction Training Awards 2008. Highlighting companies providing exemplary training practices, the awards were announced at a black tie dinner at the SAS Radisson Stansted where Lovell was presented with a trophy and certificate of achievement by guest speaker, journalist Kate Adie.
The plaudit for Lovell recognises the company’s programme of work with college and school students across Norwich to support young people in gaining construction qualifications and work-based experience through initiatives such as site visits, careers-related workshops and other events. The company’s community training programme has included working with carpentry and bricklaying students at City College in Norwich, providing work experience sessions, tutorial visits where students are helped with job applications and guided site visits. In addition, Lovell has worked closely with the college to support its launch of the new Construction and Built Environment diploma which gives teenagers practical and theoretical skills and helps prepare them for a construction-based career. “Working with Lovell has enabled us to improve our course provision in several ways including improving students’ motivation, helping them become familiar with up to date site practices and making them better informed and more confident,” says Mick Procner, City College programme manager of construction crafts. “The commitment that Lovell has made, has without doubt improved the quality of students that enter the construction industry by making them ‘work ready’.” Lovell also works with local high schools holding CV writing and interview skills workshop sessions for students designed to help them prepare for the world of work. In addition, the company takes part in WorkWise personal development programmes for students run by Norfolk Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Lovell also holds health and safety presentations and other events in primary schools close to its construction projects. “I have been very impressed by both the quantity of quality of the work by Lovell in schools, working not only in schools in their local area but across Norfolk and the East region,” says Jenny Pavey, recruitment and careers adviser for ConstructionSkills, the organisation responsible for the skills and training needs of the construction sector. |